The Disposal Committee of the National Archives discusses the requests it receives monthly from government agencies


The Disposal Committee of the National Archives discussed fourteen requests from government agencies regarding the disposal of worthless documents, in its last meeting at the headquarters of the National Archives, chaired by His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, the Executive Director, where all submitted applications were evaluated and discussed, and the final ruling was made to preserve or completely destroy them. or partially.

During the meeting, His Excellency the Executive Director praised the response of the official authorities to the National Archives regarding the destruction of documents, considering this as a real indication of the archive officials' realization of the importance of cooperation with the National Archives in order to avoid random destruction, and not to prejudice the documents that are useful in the march of the United Arab Emirates, which deserve to be documented by the Archives. National sustainable development experienced by the state and the well-being enjoyed by all who live in the land of the Emirates.

His Excellency urged the members of the Disposal Committee to control the process of technical evaluation and actual auditing of the archives in accordance with the standards followed by the National Archives, which are consistent with what was stipulated in Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 regarding the National Archives and its amending laws and its executive regulations. His Excellency stressed the importance of disposal Documents that are no longer useful in historical research only, and that their disposal be according to the stages and procedures specified by the law so that the information contained in the documents will not be exposed to publication.

His Excellency stressed that every step taken to preserve public, historical and national documents that are the property of the state is evidence of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, and bears the national responsibility towards its memory that should be preserved and transmitted to generations as a source of pride and honor for what has been achieved at this stage of renaissance, development and prosperity under the wise leadership of the UAE. United Arab Emirates.

The meeting included the directors of departments in the National Archives, heads of departments and units, and technical experts.

It should be noted that the process of getting rid of useless documents, and the preservation and destruction plan, is being implemented in the light of Federal Law No. /7/ of 2008 regarding the National Archives, and the articles of the law related to the destruction of useless government documents, and then controlling the process of getting rid of them and from files produced in government agencies. Which are no longer useful for historical research, in order to reduce - in a deliberate manner - the volume of documents stored with government agencies and to avoid random destruction.

  37 from "Sharjah Book"


The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates has completed its preparations to participate in the 37th session of the Sharjah International Book Fair, in accordance with its annual habit; As the exhibition is a global cultural event and an annual event for intellectuals, researchers and readers, and based on its interest in books, paper or electronic, the National Archives aims through this participation to highlight its interest in providing many of its services to researchers, deepening awareness of its social role, introducing the new generation to the civil and cultural heritage of the state, and enhancing the sense of identity Patriotism and the spirit of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the wise leadership.

During the days of this cultural event, the National Archives intends to launch a number of its new publications, in the presence of the authors. These new publications deal with aspects of the history of the United Arab Emirates, and pages from the biography of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul - and document some historical facts and events. In the Emirates region before the establishment of the federation, and reviews details of the development of the region, and others.

The National Archives takes advantage of the Sharjah International Book Fair in its current session to present the audience with the closing ceremony of honoring the “Zayed 100 Stories” initiative, which was launched by the National Archives in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education as part of the activities of the Year of Zayed 2018. During that celebration, the exhibition will honor students and educational institutions for their outstanding participation. It contributed to the success of the initiative, which is in line with the vision of the United Arab Emirates 2021. 

The National Archives platform at the Sharjah International Book Fair will be full of the National Archives’ publications, all of which are characterized by the value of their content, the fragrant memories and future visions they carry, and the fact that they are distinguished by specialization and intellectual richness, in order to serve the objectives of the National Archives, which documents the history and heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, the United Arab Emirates and the biographies of its leaders. Bones.

The National Archives takes advantage of the days of the Sharjah International Book Fair to provide its full library (Emirates Library) with a large number of the latest publications chosen by a number of specialists from the publishing houses participating in the exhibition and coming from inside or outside the UAE.

It is worth noting that the National Archives is keen to participate with its old and modern publications in major international book fairs inside and outside the country. Its participation in the Sharjah Fair follows its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Cairo International Book Fair, and the Riyadh International Book Fair this year.  

Infrastructure Development signs a memorandum of understanding with the National Archives

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Archives aiming at cooperation in the field of managing paper and electronic archives, exchanging experiences and consultations in the field of managing documents and archives, organizing exhibitions related to the history of the country, and improving the application of international standards and standards and best practices in documentation and archiving.

The memorandum of understanding - according to which the Infrastructure Museum, which the Ministry intends to implement, will also be provided with documents, photos and related materials - was signed by His Excellency Engineer Hassan Muhammad Juma Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.

The memorandum comes in the context of the desire of the two parties to cooperate in organizing cultural and scientific activities related to the field of archiving, historical research and exhibitions, in a way that enhances the national identity and highlights the historical achievements of the state with archival materials that are classified within a historical sequence in a museum that the two parties cooperate for its sustainability.

His Excellency Hassan Al Mansouri stressed that strengthening companies with various entities contributes to supporting the government work system, which in turn serves the community and supports the process of achieving sustainable and balanced development and providing high quality to the people of the Emirates, which supports the happiness system and achieves the UAE Vision 2021.

He praised the integration and coordination between the Ministry and the National Archives in exchanging information and following up on the latest international practices to benefit from them in establishing a modern infrastructure characterized by efficiency and quality, leading the UAE to lead the world in the year 2071.

Al-Mansoori appreciated the role of the National Archives in preserving the history and heritage of the state, praising the close relations that bind it to the Ministry and the response it showed regarding this memorandum, which supports and enhances the participation of the two parties in events and activities by enriching them with cultural and informational resources that would enhance belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi explained that the memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development aims to strengthen the bonds of cooperation with the ministry in a way that contributes to the implementation of national initiatives and projects that have a major role in achieving the UAE Vision 2021, considering that this memorandum is an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences to serve the objectives of the two parties in the next stage.

Al Raisi pointed out that the importance of the memorandum of understanding lies in the fact that it comes in conjunction with the "Year of Zayed" and in line with the directions of the National Archives and its role in organizing the archives of the local and federal official authorities in the country and its efforts to preserve the nation's memory for generations and document the development that is being achieved in various fields under the directives of our leadership. Rational rationalists keen on sustainable development in various fields and outstanding institutional performance in all state agencies, ministries and institutions.

He expressed his happiness at signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, pointing to what the National Archives has done throughout its half-century journey in terms of collecting and preserving the memory of the nation and at the level of national initiatives, which culminated in the “Year of Zayed”, which is evidence of its confidence and ability to implement The provisions of this memorandum serve the national interest and document the ministry's march, which is making great efforts to achieve comprehensive development of vital facilities in the country.

The National Archives organizes a charity bazaar marked by the increase of exhibitors and the participation of people of determination


Within the framework of social responsibility and charitable and humanitarian work, the National Archives organized a charity bazaar at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, in which several parties participated, most notably: Zayed Higher Organization, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works, People of Determination projects, Emirates Autism Center, products of penal and correctional institutions, and those interested With participation in special projects for low-income families, and projects for the National Archives employees, as a continuation of its initiatives and activities in the Year of Zayed.

His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, inaugurated the Charity Bazaar, which includes many handicrafts, traditional traditional clothes, desert ornamental plants, and popular dishes and foods that reflect the history of the Emirates and the adherence of its people to their heritage. His Excellency toured the exhibition accompanied by Mr. Farhan Al Marzouqi, Director of the Institutional and Community Communication Department In the National Archives, listen to a detailed explanation of the production of the participating institutions, and the participation of people of special determination.

The National Archives is keen on this charitable and humanitarian activity, which comes within its activities and within the framework of its societal responsibility. This bazaar is a charitable event with a lofty message. It enhances the self-confidence of the participants, especially people of determination, and inmates of penal and correctional institutions, and contributes to their integration among members of society. Happiness and joy for them, revealing their talents and creativity, and giving visitors the opportunity to view and acquire traditional handicrafts and products and enjoy local dishes and cuisine.

It should be noted that the activities of the National Archives employees and their innovative contributions in this bazaar reveal their creative side, and the proceeds of their participation in this bazaar, which is full of handicrafts, traditional dishes and food, goes to the Red Crescent Authority in Abu Dhabi, where the National Archives employees present the financial return they achieve. to it.

This year's charity bazaar was marked by an increase in the size of participation and the number of participants in it, and with the participation of projects of low-income families. Some of the artistic talents of people of determination were displayed in it. The participation and presentations of people of determination were accepted by the audience of the charity bazaar, and the increase in the number of participants and their participation in the bazaar this year came as a logical result of the achievements of charitable exhibitions and bazaars organized by the National Archives in previous years, and in view of the national and charitable objectives on the one hand, which the National Archives aspires to. To hold such events.

The charity bazaar, which lasted for three days, aims to introduce the production of the participating national institutions and urge their support because of their positive impact in activating the various humanitarian fields that are an integral part of the state’s general policy, and for their role in reviving heritage aspects in the hearts of visitors from within the National Archives and from outside it; As the invitation to visit the Charity Bazaar was general, and the National Archives invited many institutions to visit the Charity Bazaar to view and purchase the popular foods and heritage items on display.

The National Archives Presents "Customer Service Quality Guide" in a Specialized Workshop

    
The National Archives organized a workshop entitled "Guide to Customer Service Quality". He is looking forward to his future position as one of the best archives in line with the vision of the UAE 2021; By providing archival services of high quality that delight the audience and achieve government efficiency.

The workshop began with the words of the late - God willing - the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: "I call on every official to know the limits of his responsibility and to continue his work and make efforts with sincerity and loyalty, and every official in his workplace should study the needs and interests of those around him, and provide them with everything A requirement, then this is our principle and we will keep it, and we will pass it on to those who come after us.”

Mrs. Hind Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, Educational Programs Specialist at the National Archives, who presented the workshop, indicated that this speech of the Arab sage should be a work constitution for all employees in their various specializations and work locations, especially customer service employees, and indicated that the objectives of the workshop are derived from the objectives of the guide, which It is summarized by educating the staff of the National Archives, especially the staff of customer service, and helping them apply the basic principles of providing government services and developing their quality, improving the experience of customers and making them happy by providing better and more efficient services, providing unified standards of service, and building a unique culture in which the prevailing standards are excellence in service, and the enhancement of efficiency. government.

Based on the importance of the guide as a basic guiding reference for the staff of the National Archives and customer service, the Beneficiary Service Unit, in cooperation with the Educational Programs Department of the National Archives, was keen to make it the focus of a workshop followed by the staff of the National Archives.

The workshop dealt with the themes of "Guide to Customer Service Quality"; Starting with the first chapter, which dealt with customers, who are the first to benefit from the service, and the workshop classified customers in government agencies, semi-governmental agencies, private agencies, and individuals, then the second chapter, and it was about the culture of customer service and service values, then the third chapter, which revolves around service quality standards And the importance of standards in determining the level and type of services, bearing in mind that service quality standards are based on the main principles of customer satisfaction.

It is noteworthy that the workshop provided general instructions on the customer's journey, instructions for communication channels, and touched on the customer's journey and experience, ways to provide service to people of determination, the service protocol and work to continuously develop it, and monitor the impression that the beneficiary retains after obtaining the service, and the workshop relied in all its axes on A group of illustrative pictures that populated the large screen in Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Hall, the largest hall of the National Archives.      

with the aim of applying excellence systems and keeping pace with national initiatives

The National Archives organizes a forum for the "Fourth Generation System and the Experiences of the Winners"


The National Archives organized at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi a forum for the "Fourth Generation System and the Experiences of the Winners". Based on its keenness to apply excellence systems and keep pace with the national initiatives launched by the State, the Strategic Planning Office in the National Archives raised the perception of completing the journey of excellence by adopting the fourth generation system after obtaining a certificate. They are known for their “5-star” distinction as the first archiving body in the world, and the fourth institution in the country to obtain this classification from the European organization EFQM.

The forum was inaugurated by Mrs. Samar Al-Mashjari, Head of the Strategic Planning Office, with a talk about the importance of the model of excellence and its consideration as a tool and a basic pillar in order to enhance entrepreneurial awareness and innovative thinking to ensure the realization of the vision of the National Archives. Where the establishment was based on the European model EFQM, which was adopted by many local and federal awards, and the matter necessitated now, after the basic building block, that the local model (fourth generation) launched by the government in 2015 be adopted as a link to achieve the UAE Vision 2021. Where the fourth generation system forms a map A path for governments that seek to lead in performance and transform into a proactive, innovative and smart government that is an example of best government practices through a set of principles that include effectiveness, efficiency, learning and development, and by using modern concepts in work that include innovation, future foresight and integration in government work. This system represents a pioneering Emirati management thought with world-class content. Whereas, the main objective of launching the Government Excellence System is to enable government agencies to achieve the well-being and happiness of citizens, to fulfill the requirements and expectations of society in obtaining government services at the seven-star level and with the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness, and to support government trends in the field of innovation in order to achieve a competitive advantage and a leading position for the UAE.

Participants in the forum focused on the importance of integrated teamwork in government institutions, working effectively in line with standards of excellence, performing professional duty as a national act, capacity-building and qualifying employees, the importance of creating an atmosphere of happiness in the work environment, improving the journey of the customer with the institution, and getting out of character. Traditional work and that the award should not be the ultimate goal of the effort.

Mrs. Amina Ahmed Hussein of Abu Dhabi Ports Company spoke at the beginning of the forum about Abu Dhabi Ports Company's message and vision, and the compatibility of this vision with the vision of the UAE 2021 and the vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. , and reviewed the main strategies; Focused on the sustainability of high performance and growth, smart systems and procedures that concern customers, building capacities and enhancing responsibility, then stopped with the importance of aligning programs and initiatives with the system of government excellence, services and smart transformation.

Mrs. Fatima Al-Sayed Al-Hashemi, Project Manager of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme, spoke about "Dubai...a success story in building sustainable government excellence". She started with a comparison between the Emirate of Dubai in 1985 and Dubai in 2016, then touched on the impact of the program on government performance, and reviewed the program's vision. And its objectives and role, and elaborated on the role of the Dubai Government Performance Program and the fourth generation system for government excellence, noting that the fourth generation was launched on the system because in 1994 it was the Dubai Quality Award, and in 1997 it was the Dubai Government Excellence Program, and in 2009 the program Sheikh Khalifa Award for Government Excellence, and in 2015 the Government Excellence System.

It also reviewed the most important features of the government excellence system, and the elements of the fourth generation system for government excellence in Dubai: the mechanism of government planning and development programs, the standards of the leading government entity, the system of categories and honoring mechanisms, the evaluation mechanism, and then focused on the most important benefits of this system.

Mrs. Suhaila Al-Manthari, the employee who won the Executive Council Medal - Administrative Support, concluded the meeting by talking about her experience with winning; Focused on the importance of a sense of responsibility, a living conscience, and the impact of winning on her professional and personal life.

At the end of the forum, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Al-Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, presented certificates of appreciation to all participants, and a large number of National Archives employees followed the forum.     

In line with the "Year of Zayed",

The National Archives presents aspects of Sheikh Zayed's interest in heritage at the Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

The National Archives participates in Abu Dhabi's 16th International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. In line with the "Year of Zayed" and the centennial anniversary of his birth, NA displayed a number of historical photographs of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which documents aspects of his activities and interests in hunting and equestrian, in horses and camels, and his role in developing both sports.

The National Archives’ participation reinforces the aspirations that the exhibition  showcases the UAE heritage and presents the founding leader’s interest in it, stemming from his recognition of its value which emphasizes the human being's magnanimity, shapes his affection and views, contributes to establishing his personality, preserving his existence, protecting his present while guiding him towards a secure future.

Given the National Archives' interest in enriching the memory of generations with the UAE’s ancient traditions and customs, and its principles and foundations based on noble values and established good qualities, and NA’s role in promoting the ancestors’ inherited culture and traditions through its participation in this exhibition is considered a qualitative contribution.  It offers the audience an opportunity to learn about aspects of NA’s national activities and events, and to view samples of its Archives' collections of historical photographs and documentary films.

Throughout the exhibition days, the screen in National Archives’ platform broadcasts documentary films on UAE heritage and sports  and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's interest in Hunting and Equestrian sports and their activities.

It should be noted that the National Archives contributed to all historical photo exhibitions held in different emirates and regions by spreading and reinforcing Sheikh Zayed’s virtues and exploits and the values of the Year of Zayed including respect, wisdom, human development and sustainability.

The National Archives participates with a documentary exhibition in the the Saudi Embassy's celebrations marking the 88th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition included a number of historical photographs and documents


The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated in the celebrations of the 88th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NA’s participation came in the form of a documentary exhibition including historical photos and important press documents that showed the strength of brotherly relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the official meetings between the leaders of the two countries.


The participation of the National Archives stems from deep historical relations, strategic partnership and brotherly solidarity between the two countries.

The Exhibition photos documented a large number of meetings held between the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with KSA Kings and princes with the aim of enhancing brotherly cooperation in various fields.

The exhibition has seen a strong turnout from visitors and participants in the celebration ceremony. His Excellency Saud Bin Fahad Al-Suwailem, Charge d'Affaires of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the UAE, showed great interest in the exhibition and praised the National Archives’ participation and the photographs and historical documents displayed in the exhibition pointing out that they reflect the deep fraternal relations between the two countries and the development of these relations in various fields. HE added that these are perfect specimen of fraternity, amity, friendship, solidarity, and economic and cultural integration. Indeed, these relations continue to evolve and develop under the guidance of the wise leaders of both countries.

In the year of Zayed

The National Archives Focuses on reinforcing its purposeful national educational programs with more than twenty programs.


The National Archives has prepared more than twenty educational programs to promote knowledge of the history of the UAE and its leaders. More than 18,000 recipients benefited from these programs in 2018, the year of Zayed. The National Archives presents this package of diverse educational and cultural programs in cooperation with its strategic partners from official educational entities, local councils, academic circles, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools and students’ summer activities. This NA package is inspired by the biography of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the exceptional leader and national symbol of the United Arab Emirates, and by the achievements accomplished because of his unique vision.

Educational programs of the National Archives - whether reading or artistic workshops, lectures, competitions or educational and cultural activities at the community and educational levels and in youth circles - promote hard work to preserve the national accomplishments. The themes of these educational programs firmly establish the value of work for a sustainable and secure future for the homeland and its people.

In its educational programs, the National Archive adopts the innovative educational method, thus supporting the knowledge society objectives, promoting investment in an educational system that is based on innovation and creativity, and further diversifying the sources of individual education with an aim to build a good citizen who realizes the importance of UAE history and heritage and seeks to preserve its environment. The NA educational programs aim at developing national and human thought, promoting a sense of positive citizenship, and supporting and complementing the educational process.

National education programs with their various themes and topics support and enhance national upbringing of society members in general and students in particular. It also strengthen a sense of belonging to the nation and loyalty to its wise leadership, contributing to building a national character that is quite capable of taking responsibility, and establishing cohesion among citizens, taking the founding leader as a national symbol for society members to follow his footsteps, and as a beacon to guide the future generations, while taking his values, personal qualities, and his leadership in building and development process as an example and a role model for UAE citizens and residents to follow.

Educational programs include aspects of the founding leader's life and career, and his efforts to achieve development and prosperity. The most prominent of these topics- among others- are: Sheikh Zayed the Union founder and leader, Sheikh Zayed's doctrine and approach in politics and government, the UAE Federation from Zayed's glories to Khalifa's achievements, and the Founding Fathers and their role in establishing the Union.

The educational programs covered national symbols, political, national and social issues of concern to the UAE Founder. The most eminent titles of the educational programs are: Heritage and national identity, belonging, loyalty and identity as a high national values, values and customs in UAE society, unification of UAE society, UAE women's day, the UAE established title to the three Emirati Islands, the flag and its importance in promoting national loyalty, youth and nation, and the UAE: A civilization of people and a history of a homeland.

The National Archive has established specific mechanisms for delivering its educational programs, by announcing them to official entities during official meetings or in the course of strategic participations, continuous cooperation, e-mail registration, telephone communication with the Corporate and Community Outreach Department, or through the electronic portal of the National Archives.

The second phase involves receiving the request of the official entity indicating the need for a specific program on a fixed date as agreed between both parties in accordance with their agendas. Coordination through one of the mentioned communication methods continues relating to the program type and the various related data: lecture, reading or art workshop, or "Educational Games" competitions. Then the venue of the event is agreed upon, either at the National Archives, where in this case the participants will be received after an integrated plan is set up for the visit and an intensive educational program will be prepared for the visitors, or at the headquarters of the applicant in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere, where the two sides agree on the program procedures and steps, and set its desired goals and objectives.

The National Archives contributes through the various educational programs it offers to promoting national upbringing of UAE generations, and aims at establishing the value of love and devotion for the UAE in daily life in a tangible practical way by preserving the cultural and developmental accomplishments that were achieved through the UAE's march towards establishing the Union, which had a great impact in developing solidarity between citizens and their wise leadership .

The package covers important aspects of late Sheikh Zayed's strategy and vision, which were solid proof of his wisdom. The most important of these programs are:

- The UAE Federation From Zayed's Glories to Khalifa's Achievements:

The program highlights the achievements the UAE accomplished under the federation during the reign of both: the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan the founding father, and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

- Zayed: A Union Founder and a Leader:

This program highlights the charismatic personality of the founding leader as a Union advocate and leader, compared to other contemporary world leaders.

Sheikh Zayed's Doctrine and Approach in Politics and Government:

The program offers glimpses of this great Arab leader's line of thought and philosophy in building the state and establishing the Union, and highlights his ambitions and aspirations and his genius in the face of challenges.

The Founding Fathers and their Role in Establishing the Union:

The program depicts Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid's invitation of the Rulers of the other Emirates to join the Union, and their acceptance of such a blessed call. The Founding Fathers gave generously and offered the most.

 - The Flag and its Importance in Promoting National Loyalty:

The flag is the symbol of the state, the sign of its independence and existence, and the identity with which it presents itself to the international community. The National Archive has accordingly devoted a special program to the UAE Flag.

- The UAE's Established Title to the Three Islands:

In this program, the National Archives sheds light on the issue of the three Islands in the Arabian Gulf: Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs, and educates the generations through providing trusted facts and honest information supported by historical documents.

- UAE Women's Day "28 August":

The UAE celebrates Women's Day on August 28th of every year. The National Archives, in honor of UAE women and their journey, dedicates this program, which presents the stages of Emirati Women's development from the beginning to the empowerment stage.

- The United Arab Emirates: A Civilization of People and a History of a Homeland:

This program emphasizes that the history of the UAE was not exclusively associated with oil exploration, but was rather the product of a cultural interaction extending over more than seven thousand years, mutually influencing and influenced by neighboring civilizations.

- Youth and Nation Building:

This program highlights the importance of establishing, developing and refining the youth's personality, and directing its energies and enriching its knowledge to be the main pillar in the Nation's progress and advancement.

- Scientific Research Methods:

This program emphasizes the National Archives' interest in scientific research that enriches the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.

- The United Arab Emirates Federation Form:

This program aims at disseminating legal awareness of the Union and its form, characteristics, advantages and the difference between it and other federation or union forms adopted elsewhere in the world.

- Heritage and National Identity:

The National Archives designed this program to promote national values among all members of society, to create an incentive among the youth to take interest in the heritage and culture's legacy which  promotes their sense of loyalty and belonging to the homeland.

- Loyalty, Belonging and National Identity are High National Values:

This program focuses on the three high National values, namely: loyalty, belonging and National Identity. It aims at emphasizing the importance of these high national values in achieving good citizenship, protecting the state's achievements and enhancing solidarity among its people.

- Values and Customs in the UAE Community:

This program contributes to promoting values. The UAE has a long and ancient heritage reflected in the customs and traditions inherited from ancestors and passed on from one generation another with keenness and pride.

-The Homeland is United (United UAE Homeland):

This program highlights the UAE public and social solidarity and unity, and its effective role in maintaining the security and stability of the nation. It focuses on the people's support and loyalty to their wise leadership, accordingly resulting in a united UAE homeland with strong and firm pillars under an umbrella of happiness, satisfaction and security.

The Book: “How to Prepare and Apply the Modern System of Documents and Archives”


Publisher: The National Archives, 2017, 1st Edition, 258 pages of large size

Prepared by: Dr. Al Munsif Al Fakhfakh

This book, which was published recently by the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, sheds light on the modern archive system entailed by the information, knowledge, and electronic environment's age, and its principles, basis and Archives' management methods in its different stages, namely: current, intermediate and historical. It provides examples of archive management adopted tools and forms. The book aims to identify the primary principles of this specialty and to disseminate benefits among all the archives field stakeholders.

The UAE National Archives’ interest in this book stems from the large volume of documents created by the public entities, their diversity, rapid flow and need for their disposal. It has become necessary to control this huge amount of documents and information for the benefit of their issuing entities at the first stage and for that of the society and future generations at the second stage. This applies to traditional documents: paper, audiovisual and electronic documents as well. Many difficulties and problems resulted from the documents creation momentum, most important of which is document accessibility or retrieval in due time, to assess its importance for research and studies at the time when its issuer no longer needs it, and to determine its final destination. The National Archives realized that in the information and knowledge age there is an urgent need for documents control and management in accordance with audited policies and programs.

The archivist's work environment has witnessed a remarkable development in terms of use of modern information and communication technologies and their resulting media. And in view of the continuous growth in information volume, the complexity of its issuing institutions structures and the diversity of its utilization methods- it became essential for all those dealing with documents to adopt an archiving system that responds to the modern era’s needs. This system must be based on scientific rules and basis. Archiving practice expedited the emergence of several work methods and systems that were affected by the political and administrative environment in which they were established and by archive’s role in the society and its associated concepts. However, the current era imposes several needs and trends in the documents and information field which entailed the archivist to seek appropriate solutions and to improve his archiving work methods.

The archivist profession developed meagerly in most of the Arab countries due to the prevailing concept that archives are of no benefit to the society; since their documents were used in official or private bodies to perform their associated work. Accordingly, they think they are currently of no use, whereas the Modern concept of archives is based on the link between the time when documents were issued in official, private bodies or by individuals for the performance of a particular function on the one hand, and the following period, where documents pass through various merged stages through which they should be well preserved and managed. The term archive applies to all these stages.

The book “How to Prepare and Apply Modern System of Documents and Archives” bridges a gap in the Arab professional library and meets the needs of the Arab Departments. Hopefully it will contribute in developing the archiving profession under the electronic environment, and in response to the globalization imposed requirements, the spread of modern information and communication technologies and the international specifications of this field.

The book consists of six chapters: Basics of Archive System, Preparation and implementation of the Archive System, Management of Current and Intermediate Archives, Management and archiving of Electronic Archives, Management of Permanent Archives and Document Maintenance. These chapters are followed by 27 appendices and a number of archival terms, endnotes and an epilogue.

Chapter I of the book focuses on the basics of the archive system and reviews the archival concepts, the need for a modern Archiving system, and the traditional concept as opposed to the modern concept of document management. It defines the Archive as: the total documents created or obtained by each natural or legal person and each public Facility or public or private entity during the performance of its work activity, no matter of which date, form and media these documents are.

Chapter I lists the theoretical basics of the archive, namely: the principle of adhering to origin and archive holdings, the theory of the three stages documents go through, the concept of initial value and the secondary value of documents. These principles have evolved gradually since the 1950s and are still debatable as the field witnesses changes due to the advent of electronic environment and the establishment of information and knowledge society.

Chapter II focuses on the development of the archive system. Its meaning and significance has changed according to its prevailing modern concept and the adoption of current and intermediate documents management.

The book lists the documents' types and characteristics; as they vary according to their media and functions as follows: common documents found in all institutions, exclusive documents of each entity and the basic and confidential documents. This chapter depicts the general organization of a governmental institution, and addresses the classification, its objectives and types, the form of preservation tables and the creation of structures for the current and intermediate documents.

Chapter III deals with the management of current and intermediate archives, which are defined as the total documents no longer used in the current time in the offices for the purposes for which they were originally established. Some documents may be destroyed or disposed of after their current periods expires.

In this chapter, the book identifies the objectives of intermediate archive's management and the achievements it accomplished in human and financial resources and others.

Chapter IV sheds light on the management and archiving of electronic documents, it explains the elements of electronic document management and includes a comparative table comparing between electronic document management system and electronic archiving system.

Chapter IV also deals with permanent archive management, this archive includes important documents that have been selected for permanent preservation after being deemed no longer needed by the party who had created them or had acquired them to perform a certain work activity. It is considered a small part of the documents that have been created. The permanent archive is the part known most to the archival profession society. It is mainly associated with paper documents, but currently includes several other documents types, such as audiovisual documents, photographs, maps and electronic media.

Chapter V explains that private archive documents are collected in both public and private institutions and the foreign archive of concern to the country. Then it explains how the transformation to the final archive is done, how the archival description is laid down in accordance with the International Council on Archives’ standard and how indexing is carried out in archiving. It indicates that indexing technology is used as an aide in archival description to facilitate documents retrieval.

Chapter VI of the book “How to Prepare and Apply Modern System of Documents and Archives” deals with the archive maintenance which aims to prolong the life of documents and save them from damage. This chapter reviews documents media: paper, parchment and the materials associated with some documents media and informs about audiovisual and electronic documents. It lists the damage factors such as temperature, humidity, light, air pollution and the biological factors such as insects, germs and microbes. It also deals with the documents restoration and the serious damage to archives and their holdings caused by disasters of various types.

In conclusion, the book “How to Prepare and Apply the Modern System of Documents and Archives” urges on keep abreast of the great development in the field of archives, which requires documents management from inception, through all stages they undergo, and the rapid transformation that leads to the establishment of digital society; as human production of information, knowledge and science is largely digital now in addition to the abundance of information and the relatively easy access to them. Moreover, the fate of human memory is at stake; since long term preservation of electronic documents is still facing difficulty.

National Archives' cartoon characters welcome students in Abu Dhabi schools

During the first week of the new academic year, the National Archives participated with its cartoon characters in welcoming the kindergarten and early education graders, to cheer them up and break down barriers between students and school.

NA efforts to welcome new young children in schools come in line with its role as a partner in national education, and its interest in getting generations acquainted with its role in preserving the memory of the nation and making it accessible. Cartoon characters, which spread fun and pleasure among children, are the link between NA and those beloved children.

During the first week of the new academic year 2018-2019, NA’s cartoon characters welcomed new students; Hamad, Hessa and the Grandfather figures, accompanied by educational specialists from the Educational Programs Section at NA. The cartoon characters created an atmosphere of fun and pleasure for those young children who are just joining school.

NA’s colorful and funny characters attracted children and helped them enjoy school, especially when they presented gifts to children.

The cartoon characters managed to indirectly convey to young children a meaningful message that they would spend useful and fun time at school. The characters were able to attract not only new young children, but also other students of various academic grades as well.

It is worth mentioning that NA has selected its cartoon characters, Hamad, Hessa and the Grandfather figures based on a precise study and surveys, in order to learn about children's preferences. NA strives to attract children through these characters with the aim of providing them with invaluable information about civics, since characters as such are more acceptable by children than any other direct means of communication and awareness.

Sheikh Zayed's biography, values and exploits are the most important themes of the forum

The National Archives concludes the Fifth Annual Forum for Teachers

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates concluded the fifth annual forum for Arab and foreign teachers in public and private education, which it organized from August 16 to August 30, 2018, and received hundreds of teachers with the aim of enriching their knowledge with pages of the history and heritage of the Emirates, and enhancing their experiences with the values of Emirati society and the best ways to reach students. Through their long-standing customs and traditions that are characterized by tolerance and coexistence among the various nationalities on the land of the Emirates.
And the celebration of the fifth annual meeting for teachers organized by the National Archives - at its headquarters and outside its premises - as it usually does annually before the start of the new academic year - with abundant information about the history and heritage of the Emirates, and about the life of its great leaders, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the achievements made during his reign. It exceeded expectations, and the decent life enjoyed by the people of the UAE and residents on its land.

This forum, which was organized by the National Archives in cooperation with its strategic partners: the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Education, and the Emirates National Schools, urged the educational system in state schools to consolidate national identity, enhance loyalty and belonging, and enrich awareness of the ancient history of the UAE society, its heritage, customs, and traditions.

A large number of Emirati and Arab teachers participated in the fifth annual forum for Arab and foreign teachers in public and private education. The forum, which was organized by the National Archives, focused on Emirati heritage. He presented some popular food to the participants, and gave a full explanation of the Emirati dress, incense and perfumes, and the most important customs and traditions known to the Emirati community.

The fifth annual meeting for teachers opened pages of the history, heritage and civilization of the Emirates in a rich lecture that consisted of several axes. General, and this is confirmed by the saying of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai: “We are not a nation that has an accident on history.”

Then the lecture recounted a historical sequence of the Emirates in the Islamic eras. From the era of the messages of the Messenger (PBUH), to the Islamic era and Islamic civilization, passing through the era of Portuguese presence, navigation and trade movements, up to the British presence.

The lecture focused on the biography of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the impact of his wise leadership on the cohesion of Emirati society, and his role - may God have mercy on him - in building people, establishing union, unifying identity and promoting loyalty and belonging.

The lecture touched on the role of Sheikh Zayed - may God rest his soul - and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak - may God protect her - in educating women and advancing them, and supporting them in the fields of work.

The days of the forum witnessed the reception of the National Archives at its headquarters, hundreds of Emirati, Arab and foreign teachers in public and private education participating in this forum, and nominated by the Department of Education in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Education, or by schools such as Emirates National Schools in its various branches, Al Dar Academy Group, ADNOC Schools, The fifth forum for teachers witnessed an increase in the number of participants. As it provided an opportunity for teachers who wish to participate without the need to nominate any party, and thus the National Archives attracted large numbers of male and female teachers. Following up on his success, which he proved in the past seasons; The National Archives, through the Department of Educational Programs, seeks to spread the authentic Emirati values through its “Promising Generation” project, which includes seven educational programs related to curricula, history, the tasks of the National Archives, the promotion of national identity, moral education, and the values of good citizenship, and harnesses many important channels to deliver the national message. Aiming.

The program of the Fifth Annual Forum for Teachers - organized by the National Archives - included a tour for the participants in the Customer Happiness Hall, where they learned about its role in receiving researchers in the heritage and history of the UAE and the Gulf region in the historical documents and records held by the National Archives. They continued their tour in the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Hall. Nahyan, which includes samples of written documents, photographs, maps, and electronic albums of the leaders of the Emirates, and tells the biography of the establishment of the union, the formation of the first cabinet, and the selection of the flag of the union. Participants in the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Hall for Virtual Reality watched a 3D documentary film about the past and present of the UAE, and among the most important stations that influenced the tour in the National Archives: The Emirates Library, which is specialized in the history and heritage of the Emirates.